McDonald's revived adult Happy Meal toys have been a huge success for the struggling fast-food chain, and they're now available for a hefty price online. Luck reports.
Last week, McDonald's relaunched its latest Collector's Meal, which aims to “ignite core memories around some of our favorite McDonald's moments” for nostalgic fans, the chain said in an Aug. 7 announcement. With each meal, customers receive one of six collectible cups inspired by McDonald's most popular Happy Meal toys. These include a Barbie and Hot Wheels-themed cup; a homage to Beanie Babies; a cup reminiscent of iconic McDonald's characters like Grimace; a collaboration between Shrek, Jurassic Park and the Minions; and a tribute to Coca-Cola.
The Collector's Meal sells for around $12 at most McDonald's locations, while these fancy new cups sell for around $100 on second-hand sites. One eBay seller is selling a single Coca-Cola cup for $48.88, and two identical cups for $88.88. Complete sets of six unopened cups sell for between $79 and $202. One bid is selling three unopened cups for $150. Many people are selling single cups for between $10 and $20.
Like the Trader Joe's mini tote bags that debuted to great fanfare earlier this year, demand for McDonald's collectible cups appears to have exceeded even the chain's expectations.
“There's an undeniable excitement when you grab a McDonald's collectible or that final piece to complete your collection,” Morgan Flatley, McDonald's global marketing manager, said in a statement. “We're bringing back some of our most beloved memories in a different way and giving fans a keepsake they can hold in their hands.”
The toys have certainly helped McDonald’s gain some leverage over its rivals after it posted its worst quarter since before the pandemic. Earlier this week, news broke that the Tex-Mex chain was making big business with the Chili’s Big Smasher Burger, a Big Mac ode that costs a fraction of McDonald’s signature item.
